11/07/2008 @ 10:58AM

Your Virtual Presence Is Requested

Telepresence

Telepresence systems like those sold by Cisco, HP, Polycom, Teliris and Tandberg hardly look like a tech solution for tight times. The room-sized setups, which often cost as much as $300,000, are designed to seamlessly mimic real-world meetings with high-def screens, close to zero latency and stereo audio. But the devices’ vendors argue that subtle frills like those may be what’s necessary to keep executives from racking up far more expensive business trips.